IMPACT OF BODY MASS INDEX AND GENDER ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN IN NSUKKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT EDUCATION AUTHOURITY

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on academic performance among young children in Nsukka Local Government Education Area, Enugu State, Nigeria. The study is guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. An ex-post facto design was adopted, with a population of school children aged 9 to 12 years. Through multi-stage random sampling, 160 primary five pupils were selected from two Development Centres (DCs) in Nsukka Local Government Area. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, validated for accuracy and reliability, which captured weight (in kg) and height (in metre) for BMI calculation and categorization, and three-term academic scores in Mathematics, English and Sciences from school records. The reliability of the instruments was confirmed through pilot testing, achieving a satisfactory Cronbach’s alpha score of 0.80. Data analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistics, including one-way analysis of variance to examine BMI’s impact across academic domains. The results highlighted that obese pupils demonstrated distinct academic patterns, particularly in Mathematics, where obese pupils scored lower. However, no significant impact of BMI on academic performance was observed in English and Sciences. Gender did not significantly influence the academic outcomes of pupils. The findings suggest that extreme BMI values may impact specific academic outcomes. Based on the findings, it was recommended that health-focused interventions should be implemented to support optimal BMI ranges without overemphasizing BMI as a determinant of academic success.